We need to have a correct understanding on some basic issues about the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Epidemic. The Chinese Government and Chinese people are now working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and some other countries to fight against the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic with all efforts, and the situation is changing for the better. China has made a solemn promise to the international community that it has full confidence and capability to win the battle against the epidemic. By Cao Xiaolin, Chinese Ambassador to Tonga.

The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases worldwide has climbed to 40,235 in China and 909 deaths as at 10 February, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). No update has been provided by the Tonga Government on the Tongan students and sports athletes currently in China, since its travel advisory on 5 February. Meanwhile, residents in Tonga's Vava'u Group are worried that cruise ships are arriving directly from overseas at this time.

Young Tongan students in China have been advised to stay at universities, by the Chinese Embassy in Tonga, as there are no flights to get them out now. They are among over 300 people from Tonga who remain in China.

The Chinese Government will protect the safety and health of Tongan citizens in China, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Tonga stated yesterday, while assuring it was not necessary to conduct massive evacuations of foreign nationals from China.